Career Changes Support Group

This community is dedicated to the difficult challenges of transitioning from one career or job to a new one. Especially as we grow older, it can be very difficult to acquire the skills and relationships and take the financial risk to make the switch.

40 years old changing careers.

Ok. I admit it. I am scared witless at my own choice to change careers at 40 years old. I will begin my saying that there have been many life events leading to this change, but mostly, I don't just want this change, I NEED this change. I am working at being accepted, (so far so good), in Corrections after 17 years in nursing as an LPN. I find that friends/family think I have gone off the deep end quitting a high demand job in nursing, ("There is always a need for nursing", I hear, day in day out...)I find I am not supported in this decision, and almost taken as a joke, even by my husband for making it. Does anyone else face resistance like I do, or am I surrounded my knuckleheads? Please don't respond that perhaps I am a knucklehead, I already know I am :) hee hee!
Anyway.. I am finding the opposition to be greatly distracting (not hard, I have ADHD, but work quite well within high energy/ high action/stimulating enviornments). I find I am letting it psych me out and am angry with myself for allowing myself to be swayed inside for decisions that are soley mine and what I want to do.
Anyone have any advice?

I was forced into career change at 50 and am still sorting it out. Keep flexible, keep all ideas going, dont get fixated on one path. Expect obstacles, set backs, AHs and problems. But remember you are bloody great.

I don't know the reasons for your not wanting to be a nurse. Everyone who is telling you nursing is in demand has a point, but the larger point is it's your life, your happiness.

I just got a law degree, and because of the fact that people have so many (incorrect) preconceived notions about how great/prestigious being a lawyer is no one has any idea why I don't want to do it. Even friends of mine who graduated with me who aren't enthusiastic about the jobs they're starting don't totally get it. This affects my job hunt, as well, because employers in other fields don't know why someone with a law degree would want to work for them. So, I know what you're talking about as far as opposition/resistance/lack of support. It doesn't make me angry with myself, but I am angry all the time, often at other people. The main thing that pisses me off is everyone has an opinion, and most of those people know nothing about what they're expressing their opinions on and/or act like your feelings/happiness aren't important.

I don't know what to tell you except keep reminding yourself this is your life and that you know better than anyone else why nursing is no longer for you, why corrections might be a better fit, what you need, etc. One of my strong beliefs lately has become &quot;get away from people who don't support you.&quot; It's not easy when it's family, but as many of those people you can limit interactions with until things start working out for you and people can see it's not a joke/mistake, you should try to. You don't need the stress and extra pressure.

P.S. I have a friend who just turned 39 and is switching careers. I don't know what kind of support system she has, but I know that she's a lot happier now than she was.

At 53 I changed careers and I took a job as an employment consultant for a non-profit agency. I now have all kinds of opportunity steming from this job. Go for it, don't listen to anyone but yourself. I was a hair-dresser for 35 years. I still do it, but this is now my career.

Wouldn't it be great if they told us to plan for a major mid-life change? Life is now full of possibilities for you! You've been growing and it only makes sense that you may need to change the way you're spending your time. The people part is hard...you will meet new and wonderful people, but strange things may happen to old relationships. I'm going through this now...some of it hurts because you're not in the club anymore and it's also hard to maintain old friendships when you're different. Remember, you're in charge of your feelings! You've probably already figured out that there's no going back...don't dwell too long. Be grateful for the new experiences and proud of your courage. Good Luck!

You sound like you need the change and if there is really such a big demand for nurses in your area you can always change your mind later and go back to that career. I'd go for it while you're young enough!

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